Alayna De Graaf

2018 candidate for City of Onkaparinga.
Heritage survey responses.

1. Do you agree that the identification and protection of local heritage places is best done by local councils rather than DPTI (Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure)?
   yes the community should be owning their assets, and controlling them. best done by local councils.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   yes fairly well.. but there needs to be more transparency and more public consultation in general

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   The place of historical merit should be on a list, and the owners objection should be disregarded. Exceptional circumstances may put the listing onto a restricted list, so that their home address or safety isn't compromised. There should be some leeway and flexibility in the process - but over all, the historic merits should take the preference.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Yes, neighbours and any concerned citizens should be able to appeal a demolition on grounds of historic significance. Preserve the past, don't just bulldoze it.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   Yes.

6. Do you agree that places proposed for listing by your council as Local Heritage or Contributory Items should be subject to review by DPTI? Or would reviews be more appropriately conducted by an independent source of expert advice?
   DPTI should conduct the review, but an external body should also be involved, to ensure there is a thorough review undertaken. More transparency is required. DPTI need to review more thoroughly, not just go with Council recommendation. Council should be handling these matters, but there need to be more checks in place to guard against "real estate and property owners" gaining monopolies.

7. Would you like to see your council work more closely with the National Trust of SA in protecting heritage, for example, by signing up as one of the Trust's Civic Partners?
   Yes

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   It needs to be more transparent and more inclusive of the wider community and follow up on feedback.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   YES!